Playing with low light

[cbbr]

I shot a few with my victims last night just to play. I decided that I really need a gridded flash from the front to make the faces pop, but would love some more C&C -

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[silver]

the light from the candle doesn't look like it's providing much light on the subject

I realise candle light is not bright which is the tricky part but I think it's possible to have more apparent illumination from the candle in the images

 

[Prettym1k3]

The concept is good, but I think there just wasn't enough light to really "light up" this image.

 

[Tony Ad]

I'm with Silver and Mike. I think your title should have been "Playing with very low light".

 

[cbbr]

Thanks guys - I had a softbox feathered overhead and gelled, but I think that I needed either more power from that or a second gelled/gridded flash from the front. The candle was not really helping at all because kids can't stay still long enough for a slow speed shot.

This was my first attempt, and I have a shot in mind that this is working toward, which is why I need some C&C on this one. Thanks again!

 

[Prettym1k3]

I think you needed more focused light... maybe a snooted flash or something. You have to think that when using this type of light you're going for a moody or edgy look, so make your lights work for you in that manner.

I like where you're headed with this, though! Redo and post again!

 

[cbbr]

Thanks Mike! I am new to this type of shot, but I have willing victims.

 

[silver]

Chad, what camera / lenses do you have, I agree getting kids to sit still can be a task in itself but wonder how much you can get from the candle before even thinking to add any additional lighting

I don't know offhand what settings might work for just using the light from the candle, I recall a thread https://www.nikoncafe.com/vforums/showthread.php?t=267756 - that is more than candle light but they are further away from the light source - which by my quick maths is something like f2 1/50 and 3200iso

f1.4 1/30 and 3200 might get you there or in the ballpark (guessing) and your camera can be on a tripod so it might be possible..

 

[cbbr]

D90 and except for the 35 1.8, all of my glass is 2.8. That's why I'm playing with the flashes - the D90 in light that low at anything over 800iso just won't get it right and kids move too much for long exposures. I am going to play with a larger candle and see if it adds much. Thanks for the link.

 

[silver]

I am not familiar with the d90 in terms of noise handling, I think the approach of flash may be required but I am still thinking it's worth trying a few without flash,. ok 3200 might look noisy but 1600iso may work ok and sometimes noise can add a grain type feel that can work with low light

go on - even if it's just for my curiousity would like to see what it looks like just with candle light :smile:

 

[cbbr]

Absolutely, when I set it back up I'll shoot a few just for grins. Maybe a larger candle will make a difference.

 

[silver]

will be interested to see how it turns out (if it turns out!) :smile: